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mf_user · Intermediate Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 372 Topics: 105

Hi,

How do we decide and output file to be declared as FB or VB Question

Basically, if your record structure has a ODO means, we can go for VB Exclamation

Or

If different output record structures are defined in FD section, we can go for VB Exclamation

Other than this reason, what are the other considerations we will have to keep in mind to decide the output file to be FB or VB Question

Would you please explain this with details Idea

Thanks a lot. Rolling Eyes

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MF
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Any training that does not include the emotions, mind and body is incomplete; knowledge fades without feeling.
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warp5 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:07 am Post subject:

I would always prefer fixed block over vb because VB requires more system overhead and there are important things that you have to observe, like when sorting to take into respect the 4 byte variable length in the records and again in the block. The best example that I know of for using variable blocked was when I worked for a jewelry company. There you had a ring with x number of gems in it, so if you wanted to have all the data in one record you had to go variable blocked.
If you want a more detailed answer google or look at the manuals, that is what they are there for.

mf_user · Intermediate Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 372 Topics: 105

Thanks warp5.
_________________
MF
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Any training that does not include the emotions, mind and body is incomplete; knowledge fades without feeling.
==

Terry_Heinze · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:52 am Post subject:

In addition to warp's comments, I use the general rule of: If there is little variance between the smallest and largest record length, I'd go with FB. Most programmers find this easier to maintain. A big difference between min and max length would encourage VB with multiple 01 definitions in the file definition. Remember that an ODO clause doesn't necessarily mandate VB. You can have an FB file that is defined large enough to hold the maximum number of occurrences, then move the variable portion of the record to working storage for manipulation. Also, as warp mentions, look closely at the manuals. They usually have suggestions for this type of question.
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....Terry

mf_user · Intermediate Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 372 Topics: 105

Terry. Thanks.